Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023

Hozzl · 2024-12-20T09:05:45Z

Explore the details of House Bill 6445 Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on Health. Stay informed on legislative developments.

12/20/2024, 9:05 AM

Summary of Bill HR 6445

Bill 118 HR 6445, also known as the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023, aims to improve access to audiology services for Medicare beneficiaries. The bill seeks to address the current limitations in coverage for audiology services under Medicare by allowing audiologists to provide certain services without the need for a physician referral.

Specifically, the bill would allow audiologists to provide diagnostic and treatment services, including hearing tests, hearing aid evaluations, and hearing aid fittings, without the requirement of a physician referral. This would streamline the process for Medicare beneficiaries seeking audiology services and improve access to care.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions to expand coverage for hearing aids under Medicare, making them more affordable and accessible to beneficiaries. This would help address the high cost of hearing aids, which can be a barrier to care for many older adults. Overall, the Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023 aims to improve access to audiology services for Medicare beneficiaries by removing barriers to care and expanding coverage for essential services. This legislation has the potential to improve the quality of life for millions of older adults who experience hearing loss.

Congressional Summary of HR 6445

Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023

This bill provides for Medicare coverage of certain audiology services. Specifically, the bill expands coverage to include diagnostic and treatment services that are furnished by audiologists and that would otherwise be covered if provided by a physician, including incidental services, regardless of whether such services are provided pursuant to a referral from, or under the supervision of, a physician or other health care practitioner.

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Current Status of Bill HR 6445

Bill HR 6445 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since November 17, 2023. Bill HR 6445 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on November 17, 2023. Bill HR 6445's most recent activity was Referred to the Subcommittee on Health. as of December 17, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 6445

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 6445

Primary Policy Focus

Health

Potential Impact Areas

Health care costs and insuranceHealth care coverage and accessHearing, speech, and vision careMedicare

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 6445

Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023Medicare Audiology Access Improvement Act of 2023To amend title XVIII of the Social Security Act to improve coverage of audiology services under the Medicare program, and for other purposes.

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